BASL warns against rushing 22nd Amendment to extend Chief Justice’s tenure

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has issued an official statement raising serious concerns over the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, warning against legislative moves that could compromise judicial independence. In a statement released today, the legal body highlighted growing concerns that the amendment is being rushed to extend the tenure of the incumbent Chief Justice before his term ends on December 1st. If enacted, the Chief Justice would be the first judge of the Supreme Court to benefit from the changes.

The BASL noted that this rapid constitutional push occurs alongside a surge in unsubstantiated allegations raised during parliamentary proceedings and across social media platforms. These targeted campaigns have focused on individual members of the judiciary—including the incumbent Chief Justice—as well as the Bar Association itself.

While reiterating that the judiciary must remain subject to fair, informed scrutiny and legitimate public accountability, the BASL emphasized that judicial independence exists to protect constitutional rights and the rule of law rather than individual judges. However, the Association warned that reckless personal attacks undermine public confidence in the administration of justice and the overall legal system.
In response to these developments, the Bar Association is calling upon all state organs, political parties, and media outlets to respect the role of the judiciary. The BASL urged all stakeholders to ensure that any genuine concerns regarding judicial conduct are addressed fairly, responsibly, and strictly through established constitutional and legal procedures.